A DEVASTATED rental owner has shared footage of their Harry Potter-themed accommodation after it was trashed by cruel guests.
They said they’d been left to clean up “the most horrific scene ever” and they’ve now had to close their Watford holiday home “until it is safe” again.
TikTok user @homelea.stays posted a video clip to the platform, which they captioned “The most heartbreaking thing, how someone can be so cruel to do this to a place which was thoughtfully made to make young children smile.”
The video has so far racked up 4.9 million views online, with TikTok users offering support and sympathy.
In the clip, the owner shows the shocking mess left behind by renters.
A voiceover said: “Someone has turned our Airbnb upside down, they have literally trashed the entire place.”
Viewers can see a bare mattress which is covered in a large brown stain, a mucky bedsheet left crumpled on top.
Furniture, used towels and rubbish were left strewn around the room, covered in the same mysterious brown substance.
The TikTokker explained they’d previously had Potter-themed floating candles hanging from their hallway ceiling, which could be seen smashed into pieces on the floor.
Calling the living room a “mess” they pointed out the things that were “all out of place.”
Shockingly, their TV had been smashed and covered in bleach – with thick white stains left covering the broken screen.
The house was littered with food and drink too, as frozen chips had been thrown all over the floor and large sticky patches of Fanta were left on the walls and window sill.
Walking into the kitchen, the owner held up a shattered quidditch-themed mug, as pieces of porcelain lay around them.
They said: “We have never had anyone do this, this was made for families of children and now we have had to close it down until it is safe.”
Horrified viewers react
Users couldn’t believe the carnage that had been left behind, likening it to a murder scene.
“Thought it was a crime scene cleaning page, I’m so sorry they did this!” said one shocked viewer.
“I’d honestly call forensics because that bed does not look like just mess,” said another concerned person.
“I thought this was a crime scene clean up vid,” another person wrote.
“Police – that’s criminal damage,” said somebody.
“Unfortunately the police haven’t got back to us regarding this, it’s been days. They didn’t even turn up at the scene. But they do have the name of the guest who booked with us,” replied the owner.
“I’m sorry this has happened to you, I make personalised items and I’d be happy to make you a set of 4 Harry Potter mugs to replace the broken ones,” a good Samaritan commented.
“We’re a small business in Letchworth Hertfordshire selling furniture, china, bric! We have a brand new mattress we’ll donate to you! May also have other Harry Potter stock please message us!” another kind-hearted user wrote.
What is Airbnb?
Airbnb started in 2008 and now millions of hosts use it to advertise their rental properties to guests.
The Airbnb website says: “From cosy cottages to elegant penthouses, hosts are happy to share their places. Whether it’s a work trip, weekend getaway, family holiday or a longer stay, there are millions of amazing places to visit.”
The company rules tells guests to “treat your host’s home like your own” and says they must “follow the host’s standard house rules.”
In particular, guests should be conscious of leaving their accommodation in a clean state, without any litter or damage.
